Why You Could Have Mesothelioma Without Knowing

Why You Could Have Mesothelioma Without Knowing

Like many cancers that take significant time to develop, you could have mesothelioma without knowing. Symptoms can take decades to appear and often mimic other common health problems, which makes early detection challenging.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

If you’re suffering from certain health issues that don’t seem to be getting better, talk to your doctor about the possibility of mesothelioma. Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you might have this form of cancer:

  • Chest pain
  • Pleural effusions (fluid build-up in the pleura)
  • Painful breathing
  • A persistent cough
  • Stomach pains
  • Ascites (fluid build-up in the peritoneum)
  • Weight loss with no explanation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pericardial effusion (fluid build-up in the pericardium)
  • Heart murmurs

These symptoms are shared by other, more common health issues like asthma, COPD, the flu, and pneumonia. If you experience any of these issues, it’s easy to think it’s caused by something else. Since the symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to appear, by the time you notice these symptoms, you may not even remember being exposed to the culprit: asbestos.

Asbestos causes nearly all cases of mesothelioma

There are a few different types of this cancer, but all are almost exclusively caused by asbestos. You’ve probably heard of asbestos, but you might not know exactly what it is and why it’s so dangerous.

There are six main types of asbestos, and all pose a significant danger to human health. As a mineral, it’s composed of flexible fibers that are surprisingly heat-resistant and deflect electricity and corrosion. These qualities make asbestos quite useful and as such, it’s often used to make products like insulation, electrical parts, cement and building materials, and also auto parts.

Unfortunately, despite its usefulness, asbestos fibers tend to be jagged and sharp, and when inhaled, they become lodged inside of the lungs and trapped throughout the body in various places. This causes inflammation and scarring, which eventually leads to cancer.

The different types of mesothelioma

The most common form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma, which makes up about 80% of all cases. This is caused when you inhale asbestos fibers that become embedded in the pleura (the lining of your lungs), which is made of mesothelial cells. As the fibers cause irritation, the tissue becomes thicker and fluid begins to build up around the lungs. As the lining thickens, the lungs are prevented from expanding completely, which makes breathing painful.

The next most common form is peritoneal mesothelioma. This accounts for about 20% of cases and comes from ingesting asbestos dust. When swallowed, the sharp asbestos fibers end up lodged in the peritoneum, where they cause the same irritation in the lining.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest type of this cancer and accounts for less than 1% of cases. Medical experts aren’t sure how it happens, but this form is caused by asbestos fibers making their way to the pericardium (the heart’s lining). An even rarer place for asbestos fibers to travel to is the testicles.

You may not know you’ve been exposed to asbestos

It’s common for people to be exposed without knowing they’ve come into contact with asbestos. Your chances of having been exposed are high if you’ve worked in construction or as an auto mechanic. However, many people have been exposed from their home.

Although asbestos is dangerous, it only becomes a problem when airborne. When it’s properly contained, it doesn’t pose much of a risk. Because of this, many homeowners become exposed when performing remodels on a home they haven’t had tested for asbestos.

The dilemma is that tenants and homeowners have no way to know if asbestos is present without having their home professionally tested, and sometimes landlords know about the problem, but fail to remedy the problem. Even though there are no state laws mandating disclosure, landlords can still be held liable for damages under the requirement to provide a habitable living space.

Have you been exposed to asbestos? Do you have symptoms?

If you have symptoms and know for sure that you’ve been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to find a doctor to examine you immediately. However, you can’t just go to your regular GP because you’ll risk getting misdiagnosed.

Most doctors aren’t trained to spot the difference between rare health conditions in patients who present with common symptoms. You need to see a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. If you suspect your symptoms are related, don’t hesitate to find a specialist because it’s the only way you’ll get access to the treatment you need.

How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

If you ever get into a car accident, slip or fall at work, or get injured due to a faulty product, you’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer.

No one wants to envision a scenario where they get hurt, have to take time off work for treatment, and see their lives turned upside down if no income is coming in. It makes sense to call a personal injury attorney after an accident because the legal professional will examine the situation, let you know if you have a credible case, and then advise you from there.

But just like you’d never go with the first quote you get from a roofing company, homebuilder, or other professional, you can’t just select the first personal injury lawyer you see in a directory. Much is at stake. You’ll want a reputable lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Here are three things to look for in a personal injury attorney you can trust with your case.

1. Ask About Specialization

Find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. You don’t want someone who dabbles in various areas of the law. You must find an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases day in and day out. A personal injury case can drag on for years. You want help from someone who knows the process, can advise you, and can represent you.

Ask how many years the attorney has been practicing personal injury law and ask for examples of past clients whose situations were similar to yours. If you suffer a severe injury that requires extensive medical care, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is vital. You’ll have someone on your side who knows how to work with insurers and medical care providers.

2. Ask About Potential Outcomes

When you go for a consultation with a personal injury lawyer, you’ll want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You need to know about the potential outcomes you face. It’s also essential to get honest assessments of the likelihood of the possible outcomes.

If you are injured in a car accident, you’ll want to get resources to pay for medical care and to compensate you for time off work. You’ll want the lawyer to explain what you face. Knowing the potential outcomes will help you make informed decisions about your case.

3. Ask About the Planned Legal Strategy

You’ll also want to ask any lawyers you’re considering about their planned legal strategy for your case. It’s essential to hire a personal injury attorney who can explain their plan and let you know down the road if there’s a need to pivot based on changing circumstances.

Are the lawyers you’re considering willing to take your case to trial? While it’s usually best to work out a settlement, you don’t want to go that route if the offer is too low. Some lawyers will try to settle at all costs. A court case can be a lengthy affair and can be emotionally training. But that doesn’t mean you should have to accept a lowball offer. If the chances of success in a court trial are good, then going to court might be better. That’s especially true if the insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith.

These are some of the more critical things to look for in a personal injury lawyer. If your case drags on for months or years, you may be working with your lawyer for a long time. So, you’ll want to choose well.

Finding the help you need after an accident is essential. It’ll be hard enough dealing with the effects of the accident, let alone having to pay for treatment out of pocket. A reputable and experienced legal professional will help to achieve a successful resolution.

Miki Agrawal Disrupts Hygiene Industries

Miki Agrawal Disrupts Hygiene Industries

Miki Agrawal, an entrepreneur who has made a name for herself in various industries, is known for her work in creating companies that disrupt the norm and push boundaries. Her work in taboo industries is particularly noteworthy as she has brought innovative ideas and products to the market. One such example is TUSHY, a bidet company that is changing the way people think about bathroom hygiene. The idea for TUSHY came to entrepreneur Miki Agrawal after a visit to her family in India where she discovered that bidets were commonly used instead of toilet paper. She aimed to create a bidet that was affordable, easy to install, and stylish to encourage people to switch from toilet paper to bidets.

All About the TUSHY

TUSHY has disrupted the industry by making bidets accessible and stylish. In the past, bidets were seen as a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford, but TUSHY has created a bidet that is affordable and easy to install. The bidet can be installed in a few minutes without professional help, making it accessible to more people. The bidet also comes in different colors and designs to match people’s bathroom decor. This has made bidets more mainstream and changed people’s perception of them.

Sustainability is another area that TUSHY has focused on by creating a bidet that uses less water than traditional bidets and eliminates the need for toilet paper. This has helped to reduce waste and make bathroom hygiene more sustainable.

With TUSHY, Miki Agrawal has challenged the status quo and pushed boundaries by creating a company that fills a need and changes people’s perception of taboo industries.

Miki Agrawal On TUSHY’s Disruption

Miki Agrawal’s company TUSHY has disrupted the industry in a number of ways, and here are some examples:

  1. Affordable Bidet Attachments: TUSHY offers a line of affordable bidet attachments that can be easily installed on any toilet in just 10 minutes. Unlike traditional bidets that can cost thousands of dollars, TUSHY’s bidet attachments cost only a few hundred dollars, making them accessible to a wider audience. This has helped to break down the taboo surrounding bidets and encourage more people to try them out.
  2. Sustainability: TUSHY is committed to sustainability and reducing waste. The company’s bidet attachments use far less water than traditional bidets, and they also eliminate the need for toilet paper, which is a major contributor to deforestation. TUSHY also uses eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials, and the company has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2022.
  3. Disrupting the Toilet Paper Industry: TUSHY’s bidet attachments have the potential to disrupt the toilet paper industry by reducing demand for toilet paper. In addition to the environmental benefits, this could also save consumers money over the long term. TUSHY has even launched a “Stop Wiping. Start Washing.” campaign to encourage people to make the switch to bidets.
  4. Social Entrepreneurship: TUSHY has a strong commitment to social entrepreneurship and has partnered with a number of non-profit organizations to provide clean water and sanitation to communities in need. The company has pledged to donate a portion of its profits to these causes, and it has also launched a program to provide free bidet attachments to schools and non-profits.

Overall, Miki Agrawal and TUSHY have disrupted the bathroom industry by bringing bidets into the mainstream, promoting sustainability, and challenging the status quo when it comes to toilet paper. The company’s commitment to social entrepreneurship is also admirable and sets an example for other businesses to follow.

In addition to her industry disruption, Miki Agrawal is a sought-after public speaker. For more stories stories from the disrupt-her, check out the Miki Agrawal Medium site.

Why Your Spring Refresh Should Include A New Hardwood Table

Why Your Spring Refresh Should Include A New Hardwood Table

TheTableCompany.com, a leading online retailer of premium-quality teak hardwood furniture, has been making waves in the furniture industry. With a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the company has quickly become a go-to destination for discerning buyers seeking long-lasting and environmentally responsible furniture solutions.

At the heart of the company’s success is its founder, Ken Phillips. With decades of business experience, Phillips has a deep understanding of what it takes to create truly exceptional company and a truly exceptional product. He is dedicated to sourcing the finest materials and working with skilled artisans to craft timeless pieces that are built to last.

Phillips’ passion for teak hardwood is evident in every aspect of TheTableCompany.com’s operations. Teak is an incredibly durable and weather-resistant wood that has been prized for centuries for its beauty and versatility. It is one of the few woods that can withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.

But what truly sets teak apart is its natural oils, which give the wood a unique luster and protect it from decay and insects. This means that teak furniture can last for decades, even in harsh outdoor environments. As Phillips notes, “Teak is the best investment you can make when it comes to furniture. It may cost a little more up front, but you’ll save money in the long run by not having to replace your furniture every few years.”

TheTableCompany.com’s commitment to sustainability is also a key factor in its success. Phillips has made it a priority to source teak and other wood from sustainable plantations. This ensures that the wood is harvested in an environmentally responsible manner, with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. It gives jobs to those in the community and enables the company to produce the caliber of table it does in a reasonable amount of time and for an even more reasonable cost. In addition, TheTableCompany.com’s furniture is crafted using traditional techniques that minimize waste and maximize efficiency.

The artisans making the tables for the company are trained in old-school, sustainable practices.  Special care is placed on joints, connections, and the longevity of each table.  This is generational furniture at its finest.

But it’s not just the quality of the furniture that sets TheTableCompany.com apart from its competitors. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is second to none. Phillips and his team provide personalized service and ensuring that every customer is completely satisfied with their purchase. From the initial consultation for a custom piece to the final delivery and installation, TheTableCompany.com is there to guide customers through every step of the process.

Looking to the future, Phillips and his team are focused on continuing to provide exceptional products and service to their customers. They are constantly exploring new designs and techniques to push the boundaries of what is possible with teak and other hardwoods. And with an ever-growing demand for high-quality, sustainable furniture, it seems that TheTableCompany.com is poised for even greater success in the years to come.

8 Creative Ideas for Planning a Fun Birthday Party for Adults

8 Creative Ideas for Planning a Fun Birthday Party for Adults

Birthdays are a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. Many different types of parties can be planned. It just depends on the kind of person celebrating their birthday and what they like to do. Planning an adult birthday party can be easy, so you should use these creative ideas as your guide. These fun and easy-to-implement tricks can turn your next birthday into an unforgettable event for everyone you love.

1. Pool Party

Surrounded by friends and fun activities, a pool party is almost guaranteed to make everyone feel special. All you need to do is choose a theme, decorate an area with inflatable pool toys, and ensure everyone wears swimsuits. You can even throw in a few colorful beach balls to create the perfect pool play environment. And if you’re feeling creative, you can bring a few bean bag chairs so that everyone can relax on the sand as they watch the fun unfold.

2. Rent a Party Bike

This one is a must-have birthday party idea. For one thing, it is easy to make this party fun. To begin with, using party bikes makes you feel like you are biking through the city. This kind of theme will attract a lot of attention from your guests. In addition to that, renting a party bike is much cheaper than renting a band for your birthday party. Ensure you have enough space for everyone to fit comfortably in the cycle before renting it.

3. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt

Children love playing hide-and-seek, and adults feel like kids, so a fun and playful scavenger hunt will surely be a hit. You only need plenty of scavenger hunt items, such as puzzle pieces, signs, maps, and more. Group up the items into categories such as “People,” “Animals,” “Places,” “Foods,” and so on. The group will then split into smaller teams, and each team will start searching for all the hidden items within a certain time limit.

4. Slumber Party

Hosting a slumber party is sure to be quite a fun activity. This type of party can be set up in any room, but you should stick with small rooms such as bedrooms or living rooms and ensure that the room has enough space for the group to sleep comfortably. You can also make the atmosphere casual by letting guests bring their favorite snacks and drinks. If you want to do something fun, have each guest write a funny joke on different napkins.

5. Movie Night

If you want to avoid setting up a theme for your party, you can always plan on having a fun movie night. Bring some snacks and drinks and show one really good, action-packed movie. Make sure to bring the DVDs and other films you will need for the party so that you can gather everyone to watch the movie.

6. Bar Crawl

For this type of party, you only need a team of people willing to have a good time. To start the night, pick a cocktail bar and order a round of drinks for the group. You can then head out from bar to bar and order another round of drinks. The key to making this kind of party fun is to take note of each individual’s drinking habits so that you will avoid ending up with anyone in the group who can handle their liquor. Avoid putting anyone in the role of a designated driver.

7. A Cruise

Cruise ships are a great way to see some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. They’re also perfect for celebrating milestone birthdays with your loved ones. You only need to pick the destination for your cruise, reserve a passage, and organize the party. Ensure you let the group know what details you will need to prepare for the party, such as food supplies, entertainment ideas, etc.

8. Brunch

Brunch is the way to go if you are looking for an easy and relaxing birthday party idea. To begin with, it doesn’t take a lot of time and energy to plan this kind of party. All you need to do is choose a good brunch location and organize a date for the event. Make sure you invite everyone whose company you enjoy so that your party will be fun and memorable.

7 Simple Steps to Give Your Home a Thorough Spring Cleaning

7 Simple Steps to Give Your Home a Thorough Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time for a thorough house cleaning. With warmer days and summer vacations just around the corner, giving your home a thorough spring cleaning can help you make the most of the upcoming months! Here are seven simple steps to help you get started on your spring-cleaning journey.

1. Start at the Top and Work Your Way Down

When it comes to spring cleaning, start at the top and work your way down. This means dusting your ceiling fans, light fixtures, and other high-to-reach surfaces first. Then move on to the walls, dusting furniture, baseboards, windowsills, and other surfaces throughout your home.

2. Make a Plan

Before you begin cleaning each room in your house one by one, create a plan outlining which rooms need to be tackled first and how long you think it will take. Breaking the task into smaller chunks ensures you don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged while tackling big tasks like spring cleaning. In your plan, assign a day and time to each room or task. This will help you stay on track and motivated as you move through the entire house.

3. Purge and Declutter

One of the main things that can make spring cleaning overwhelming is all the clutter in your home. As you clean, take this opportunity to go through all of your belongings and either keep, donate, or toss out items that are no longer useful to you. This will help create more space and make it easier to deep clean without having stuff in the way.

4. Take Advantage of Natural Cleaners

Natural ingredients such as baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and essential oils are great for deep cleaning and freshening up your home without harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought products. Not only are these ingredients safe for your family, but they also work wonders when getting rid of dirt and grime.

5. Vacuum and Mop Your Floors

An important part of spring cleaning is ensuring your floors are clean and free from dust, dirt, and debris. Begin by vacuuming all carpeted areas, then move on to mopping any tile or hardwood flooring throughout the house. Use an appropriate cleaner specific to either hardwood or tile surfaces to avoid damaging your floors.

6. Hire a Cleaning Service If You’re Too Busy

Hiring a professional cleaning service may be the best option if your spring cleaning task list is too overwhelming and time-consuming to manage. Professional cleaners are trained to take care of all the deep cleaning tasks, allowing you to enjoy the warmer days ahead instead of scrubbing and dusting.

7. Don’t Forget the Outside

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop just inside your home. Once all indoor tasks are complete, tackle any outdoor projects like pressure washing patios or sidewalks and tidying up any yard spaces that need attention. This will help ensure that your home looks inviting from inside and out.

Spring cleaning can be daunting, but with the right plan and tools, you can get it done quickly and efficiently. Consider these seven simple steps to clean your home thoroughly deep this spring and enjoy the warm days ahead.

Visitation and Custody of Children in Oklahoma

Visitation and Custody of Children in Oklahoma


The “best interests of the child” criteria is used by Oklahoma courts, like those in other states, to make decisions about child custody and visitation. The usual inquiries about Oklahoma’s custody and visitation laws are addressed in this page.

Visit our Oklahoma website for further details on concerns related to Oklahoma family law. In our Child Custody section, you can also discover articles about custody and visitation.

Child Custody Laws in Oklahoma
The term “child custody” refers to all parental rights in a child’s upbringing, including the authority to control a kid’s activities and make decisions about their upbringing, care, education, health, and religion. Physical custody and legal custody are distinguished under Oklahoma’s child custody statutes.

Physical and Legal Custody
A parent who has “physical custody” of the child resides with them. One parent may have sole physical custody while the other enjoys visitation rights, or the parents may split physical custody. Legal custody is the authority a parent has to act in a child’s best interests.

A parent with legal custody has the authority to determine whether a kid should receive a particular medical treatment, where they should go to school, and if they should practice a particular religion.

Equal legal rights apply to mothers and fathers when requesting custody of their minor children. The judge’s choice will ultimately be based on what is best for the child. This holds true for both paternity and divorce cases.

Joint Parentage
Joint custody means that both parents share some or all of the responsibilities for a child’s physical and legal upbringing, custody, and control. Joint legal custody parents share responsibility for their children’s upbringing and collaborate on important decisions.

Although not always equally, parents who have joint physical custody will spend a lot of time together as a family. For instance, if you were granted joint custody, one parent might spend 4 nights a week with the child while the other spends 3 nights a week with the child.

Solitary Custody
Both sole physical and/or exclusive legal custody may be given to one parent. Sole custody, as the name suggests, grants the child’s legal or physical custody to just one parent.

Without the other parent’s input, a parent with sole legal custody can choose where their child will go to school. The other parent (known as the “noncustodial parent”) is nonetheless allowed frequent visits even if the parent with sole physical custody spends the majority of time with the child.

Shared Custody
Split custody refers to a custody agreement in which one or more of the children of the couple are given to each parent. For instance, in a divided custody arrangement, one parent might be given custody of the couple’s twin daughters while the other is given custody of the boy. In addition to having the right to frequent visits with the kids they don’t live with, both parents must reside with some of their kids.

“Birdnesting”
Divided custody arrangements known as “birdnesting” give kids more stability. The children will reside at the family home full-time under a bird’s nest custody arrangement, and the parents will alternately move in and out of the house. Birdnesting arrangements are uncommon and demand a great deal of parental collaboration.

How Does an Oklahoma Court Determine Custody?
Any custody decision in Oklahoma must be made with the child’s best interests in mind. The following elements, among others, will be considered by the judge when assessing the child’s requirements, the parents’ capacity to meet those needs, and all other pertinent circumstances:

willingness of each parent to help establish a bond between the child and the other parent
the physical and mental well-being of each parent
educational and emotional requirements of the child
each parent’s general stability and either parent’s history of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect
the child’s bond with siblings and other family members the child’s adjustment to school, home, and community
The use of drugs or alcohol by either parent, as well as a child’s preference in some situations.
In Oklahoma, there is a rebuttable presumption against granting custody, legal guardianship, or unsupervised visitation to those who are registered sexual offenders, anyone living with a registered sex offender, convicted child abusers, people living with convicted child abusers, people who are alcohol or drug dependent, and those who are domestic abusers or people living with domestic abusers. Refer to OK Stat. 43-112.5. (2020).

A violent parent will likely not be granted custody, but he or she will still be allowed visitation, most likely under supervision. Unless the court is confident that the kid is secure in that parent’s care, restrictions on a parent’s visitation, such as supervised visits, remain in place.

It’s crucial to understand that a judge cannot decide custody based on a parent’s ethnicity or gender. A judge cannot, for example, grant custody to a mother over a father based only on the woman’s gender.

What Is the Oklahoman Norm for Visitation?
Any visitation plan can be created by parents who can agree on custody, provided it is in the child’s best interests. When parents are unable to come to an agreement, a judge will set up a visitation schedule. Minimum visitation requirements are outlined in the Oklahoma visitation form.

A noncustodial parent may have more visitation than the minimum permitted by the guidelines, but not less. This often entails overnight visits every other weekend and one weekday with the child per week for the noncustodial parent.

Holiday and summer vacation visits will be specified in the visitation orders. On important holidays, parents typically alternate who has the kids. The children may spend Thanksgiving with one parent, while Hanukkah or Christmas may be spent with the other parent. The mechanics of visitation, such as transportation between visits, will be covered in your visitation order as well.

Holiday and summer vacation visits will be specified in the visitation orders. On important holidays, parents typically alternate who has the kids.

In Oklahoma, do kids have a voice in custody disputes?
Even if a child displays a preference for which parent gets to have custody, the decision in the case will be based on what is best for the child, not what the youngster wants. Children who are 12 years old or older are given some consideration under Oklahoma’s child custody rules.

Typically, a youngster can express a thoughtful, well-informed preference when they are 12 years old. The custody requests of a younger child may still be taken into account by the judge, but they won’t likely be given much weight.

Why, if I’m a good parent, do I need to take parenting classes?
Regardless of how terrific a parent you are, a divorce can significantly alter how parents interact with their children. The impact of those adjustments on the kids must be as little as possible. Parents involved in a custody dispute must go to a parenting education course, according to Oklahoma law and local court regulations as well as joint custody Oklahoma laws saying that too.

The conference will cover a variety of topics, including the effects of co-parenting and separate parenting on children, visitation and dispute resolution, developmental stages of children, and child financial responsibilities. Individual treatment is not the intended purpose of the course. The session will have been worthwhile if you learn even one thing that will benefit you or your kids.

Can My Custody Order Be Modified?
A request to change a custody arrangement may be made by either parent. The parent requesting a change in custody must demonstrate that there has been a significant change in circumstances since the previous custody arrangement and that changing custody is in the best interests of the kid.

Particularly, a parent’s second marriage or new employment is typically insufficient to support a change in custody. A custody change might be necessary if one parent has moved abroad or the custodial parent is experiencing a serious health issue.

Can the child move with one parent?
One parent must give written notice to the other parent of their intention to move with the kid at least 60 days before the relocation is anticipated or within ten days of learning of the move. When a parent is relocating more than 75 miles away, this regulation is applicable.

The notification should include the moving parent’s new address, phone number, moving date, moving-related details, and a suggested timetable for time-sharing with the kids after the move.

The opposing parent may launch a lawsuit to stop the relocation of the custodial parent if they object to the move. In order to determine if the move is justified and whether it would be in the child’s best interests for the moving parent to retain custody, a court will schedule a hearing and analyze the available information.

If one parent isn’t providing child support, can the other parent refuse visitation?
No, a parent cannot deny their child visitation because the other parent hasn’t made a support payment. In other words, a right doesn’t result from two wrongs. Both failing to grant access to a kid and failing to pay child support do not justify depriving a parent of their right to do so.

If the court determines that the custodial parent has interfered with the non-custodial parent’s right to visitation in an unreasonable manner, the court may order make-up visits, the posting of a bond that will be forfeited if visitation does not take place, attorneys’ fees and costs, or another suitable remedy.

5 Reasons to Get an Outdoor Kitchen

5 Reasons to Get an Outdoor Kitchen

Do you want to get an outdoor kitchen for your property? Buying an outdoor kitchen means increasing your seating capacity and saving money on energy expenses. But there are other benefits you can unlock by repurposing your back deck into a more useable space.

One source says that outdoor kitchens ranked as the top kitchen trend of 2022. And once you learn how an outdoor kitchen can help you, you’ll likely want one for your backyard space.

Continue reading for five reasons why you need an outdoor kitchen if you don’t already have one.

1. Make the Most of Your Exterior Space

One reason you should consider installing an outdoor kitchen is that it’ll allow you to make the most of your home’s exterior space. It’ll almost be like adding to your home’s usable square footage. Many homeowners seek to create outdoor living spaces to enjoy every nook and cranny of their properties. Getting an online kitchen will help.

2. Enjoy the Benefits of Being Outdoors

Spending time outdoors has many benefits, including physical and mental wellness, since you can enjoy nature, which can lower stress, cortisol levels, heart rates, and muscle tension. Fresh air will also clean your lungs, boost your energy, and improve your digestion. So, there’s something to be said about spending as much outdoors as possible. An outdoor kitchen will provide the perfect time to spend with family and friends.

3. Provide Opportunities for Socializing

Another reason you’ll want to get an outdoor kitchen is that it’ll allow you to bring together family, friends, and neighbors. Perhaps you’re the sort of person who likes to have company. Whether you have the space inside your kitchen or not, gathering on the back deck can make a get-together even more fun. You can seat your guests on the back deck and then cook the meal in the outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen can come equipped with whatever you want, such as a sink with running water, cabinets, countertops, a grill, and whatever else you fancy having.

It wasn’t that long ago that people were forced to stay home and avoid large gatherings. Now that those mandates are over, why not enjoy time outside with people you know and care about? Besides, meeting outside means you won’t be cooped up in your indoor kitchen.

4. Boost Valuation of Your Home

Yet another reason to get an outdoor kitchen is that you’ll boost the valuation of your home by so doing. How many homeowners do you know who have invested in equipping their outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens? While more and more people are going this route, that doesn’t mean every home has one. You can differentiate your property, make it more desirable to homebuyers, and increase its valuation by installing an outdoor kitchen. Whether you plan to sell or stay put, your residence will be worth more.

5. Keep the Cooking Smells Outside

Even if you cook the most mouth-watering meals, you don’t want the scents to linger for hours or even days after the meals. But that’s what you might face if you cook inside your kitchen. It’s one thing if it’s the aroma of fresh bread or oatmeal-and-raisin cookies. But it’s another thing if it’s the aroma of a garlic-heavy meal. You can avoid this if you cook in your outdoor kitchen. You won’t have to worry about lingering aromas that you don’t care to keep smelling after eating.

These are just a handful of reasons why it makes sense to have an outdoor kitchen. If you finally get one for your property, you’ll likely discover more benefits of having an outdoor kitchen.

Why Personal Notes Mean More Than Generic Cards

Why Personal Notes Mean More Than Generic Cards

It’s common practice to get someone a card from a store for a specific holiday, birthday, or special event. Some of these cards are funny, charming, or creative, but none of them will mean as much to your recipient as a handwritten, personal note.

What makes a personal note so impactful? And what steps can you take to make your notes mean more to your recipients?

There’s Nothing Wrong With a Card

First off, whether you’re sending flowers on Valentine’s Day or just telling someone special how much they mean to you, there’s nothing wrong with buying or sending a card. In fact, you can hypothetically get the best of both worlds by sending a card that includes a handwritten note as an extra. If you don’t have the energy or desire to include a handwritten note, it’s perfectly fine to give someone a generic card that’s otherwise empty, too.

This article isn’t meant to condemn card giving, or even giving gifts with the absence of a card or message. Instead, it’s only meant to highlight just how valuable a personal note can be.

The Power of a Note

Let’s take a look at why personal notes typically mean more than generic cards:

  • The message is unique. It’s human nature to like rare and unique things. It’s debatable as to why this is a feature of our collective minds. For example, it could be that this is an evolutionary trait that arose from our foraging nature. Early human beings were hunter-gatherers who scoured the forests for things to eat. A rare find is something exciting and unusual that triggers the reward centers of our brain and encourages us to keep looking for more; some vestige of this trait may be at play here. But regardless of the origin, people love unique messages – and generally prefer them over mass marketed ones.
  • The message shows your personality and style. Writing a personal note is an opportunity to show off your personality and individual style. Even if you don’t spend much thought or effort on your message, the message will naturally radiate with your best characteristics. This is true even if your message feels clumsy or awkward; in fact, your clumsiness or awkwardness might be the trait that this person loves most about you, making your message all that more special to them.
  • The message expresses your most important thoughts. And of course, writing a personal note means you’ll get the opportunity to express your most important thoughts. Instead of browsing a selection of cards and choosing the one that happens to be the closest fit to what you’re feeling, you can simply write what you’re feeling.

Writing Better Notes

So what steps can you take to write better personal notes to the most important people in your life?

  • Use your own handwriting if possible. We’ll start with an easy task; use your own handwriting if possible. Depending on the context, you might be tempted to send an email, type and print a note, or include your message in some other rigid format. But writing with pen or pencil on paper usually makes a more lasting impression.
  • Be honest and direct. Notes are powerful in part because of how sincere they are. It’s important to be honest and direct in your message, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. In fact, if you feel vulnerable while writing the message, it’s a sign you’re probably doing things right.
  • Exercise some creativity. Loosen up and exercise your creativity. There are dozens of little ways you can make your message more creative, more unique, and more enjoyable to the person receiving and reading it. Little touches, like including more exclamation points or tossing in a couple of tongue-in-cheek jokes could take your message to the next level.
  • Don’t sweat it if you don’t come up with something brilliant. Some people never write personal notes because they get stuck on the creation process. Instead of writing something down, they agonize over word choices and the overall direction of the message. But try not to sweat it if you don’t come up with something brilliant, even simple messages work.
  • Consider adding a doodle. If you want to add even more personality to the message, consider adding a simple doodle at the end. You don’t have to be a great artist; a little animal or geometric shape is plenty.
  • Include your signature. Signatures have historically been used as a unique identifier – and one that could prove the legitimacy of a given document because of how unique they are. Signing your message legitimizes it and makes it uniquely branded as yours.

Finally, remember that you don’t need a special occasion to send someone a handwritten note. You don’t have to wait until the next major holiday, nor do you have to give someone a gift with your note. Instead, if you’re thinking of someone special in your life, why not sit down and write them a nice letter right now? There’s no time like the present.

Why You Should Convert Your VHS Tapes to Digital Format

Why You Should Convert Your VHS Tapes to Digital Format

If you lived through the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, you probably have a collection of old VHS tapes somewhere in your home. While these are amazing to hang onto because of the nostalgia they bring, they are also old and outdated pieces of technology that can be difficult to store.

If you’re not already aware, digital conversion of VHS is an easy way to preserve your old home videos or favorite kids’ movies and make them more accessible. But why take the time to convert your VHS tapes to digital format? Here are a few key reasons to consider

VHS Tapes Are Fragile

One of the most significant benefits of VHS to digital conversion is that it can help preserve your old tapes from degrading and becoming unplayable over time.

Unlike digital formats, VHS tapes are sensitive to temperature changes and humidity levels, which means they can become damaged or ruined if not stored properly. This means that all those old home videos and VHS tapes you’ve been hanging onto for years could become completely unwatchable if not digitized soon.

Be sure to check out your VHS tapes often to ensure that they are in good condition and not showing any signs of deterioration.

VHS Tapes Take Up Space

Another practical benefit of VHS to digital conversion is that it can help you save valuable storage space in your home.

If you have an extensive collection of VHS tapes, then storing them in boxes or cabinets can take up a lot of room and make your home feel cluttered. Plus, it’s a perfect place for accumulating dust and dirt, which can quickly reduce your favorite movies to worthless pieces of junk.

Converting VHS tapes to a digital format is an easy way to free up some much-needed space in your home while still having access to all of your old videos and movies at any time.

Converting to Digital Format Is Easy and Cheap

While taking a physical VHS tape and transferring it to a digital format may sound complicated and very expensive, it’s actually straightforward and affordable.

The rise of the new technology in Capture Memories digitization is the one behind these changes.

Created by the team at Capture, they make it easy to send your VHS tapes directly to them by mail and have them converted to a digital format in just a few days.

Plus, they offer one of the fastest VHS to digital conversion services on the market, meaning you won’t have to be without your favorite home videos or movies for long. Capture is the clear choice for VHS to digital conversion, compared to other services that require a long and drawn-out process that can take weeks or even months to complete.

Practical Benefits

Instead of letting those old home videos or movies just sit as static, outdated pieces of technology, you can have a little fun with the digital versions.

Creating edited versions on your computer means you can create fun mashups of your old home videos and share them with friends and family.

Plus, the digital conversion also allows you to watch your favorite movies and shows on any screen or device you want. You’ll be able to take them with you wherever you go, so even if you’re away from home for an extended period, you can still watch all your favorite tapes you want.

Conclusion

If you’re still hanging onto your old VHS tapes, it’s time to consider VHS to digital conversion. 

Not only can this help preserve your old home videos and movies by making them less fragile and more accessible, but it is also an easy way to save valuable storage space in your home while still enjoying all of your favorite memories.

Preserve your old home videos and movies by converting them to digital today!